Having Parallel Arms Patents (Class 248/281.11)
  • Patent number: 8132769
    Abstract: A stand for a surgical microscope is suggested, comprising a vertical support, at least one horizontal support, a first vertical articulation unit that is connected the horizontal support, a second articulation unit determining an oblique pivot axis, a displacement unit that is attached to the second articulation unit and has multiple degrees of freedom for displacement and balancing of an optics carrier carrying the surgical microscope, at least one pivot support encompassed by the displacement unit, and a displacer for displacing the optics carrier in an X direction extending horizontally and transversely to the oblique pivot axis. The pivot support comprises a pivotable parallelogram support and a holding arm that is attached to the pivotable parallelogram support and is configured such that it simultaneously serves as a displacer for displacing the optics carrier in the X direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Leica Instruments (Singapore)Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Andrzej Metelski
  • Patent number: 8109527
    Abstract: A medical cart comprising a base is supported on wheels. A first arm is supported on a track for linear movement in a first direction that supports a first platform. The arm also supports a second platform that is mounted for linear movement in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The first platform is mounted on a tilt assembly such that the angle of the first platform relative to the second platform can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Rubbermaid, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Shane Bustle, Jacob Connelly, Chad M. Holzshu, Robert Grant McRorie
  • Publication number: 20120001045
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a bracket, which comprises a main body having a first end with two sides horizontally pivoted to a first end of a horizontal support element respectively and a second end vertically pivoted to a first end of a vertical support element, so that a second end of each of the horizontal support elements can be opened away from each other and a second end of the vertical support element can be extended to an inclined angle away from the horizontal support elements. Thus, when lower surfaces of the two horizontal support elements are placed on a plane (such as a desk surface), a user can place a table electronic device stably on a virtual inclined support plane formed between the vertical and horizontal support elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventor: Chin-Yang Wang
  • Patent number: 8074950
    Abstract: A wall affixed vertically articulated flat panel display mount having a first frame assembly secured to a wall and a second frame assembly operatively connected to the back of a flat panel display. Two pairs of horizontally spaced parallel links extend between the first and second frame assemblies and have respective ends pivotally connected thereto. A pair of pneumatic springs and a linear actuator are connected between the first and second frame assemblies. Knob clamps are provided for holding the mount in a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: David Michael Clary
  • Patent number: 8070115
    Abstract: An exemplary support stand (102) for a flat-panel display body includes an elevating support (30), a monitor bracket (50), and a support member (20). The elevating support includes a first chassis (321), a second chassis (322), a plurality of supporting blocks (3231) for connecting end portions of the first chassis and the second chassis, an elastic member (391), a first pivot subassembly (305), and a second pivot subassembly (306). The monitor bracket is rotatably connected to the first pivot subassembly. The support member is rotatably connected to the second pivot subassembly. The elastic member is capable of exerting a rebound force on two of the first chassis, the second chassis, and the supporting blocks. The first and second pivot subassemblies are fixed to the supporting blocks. The monitor bracket and the support member are rotatably connected to the first and second pivot subassembly correspondingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-Xin Wang, Jian Li, Zhi-Guo Sun
  • Patent number: 8070114
    Abstract: A support stand includes a mounting assembly mountable on a table top, a suspension arm coupled to a rod member of the mounting assembly to hold a rotary barrel, a swinging arm pivotally connected to the rotary barrel of the suspension arm, a stretcher mounted in a frame bar of the swinging arm and a holder frame assembly coupled to the swinging arm to support an object. The stretcher includes a sleeve coupled to arched sliding slots of the frame bar of the swinging arm by a pivot pin, a connection frame plate pivotally coupled between the pivot pin and a mounting lug at the rotary barrel, a spring member and an adjustment screw assembly mounted in the sleeve for allowing adjustment of the elevation of the supported object with less effort and positive positioning of the supported object after an elevation adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Chen-Source Inc.
    Inventor: Hong Jen Chen
  • Patent number: 8066251
    Abstract: A force exerting device having a force exerting structure including a load arm as a first side, pivotable about a load pivot, a resilient member attached to the load arm and to a termination point and forming a second side of the force exerting structure. The third side of the structure is formed by a line from the termination point to the load pivot. A first adjustment mechanism moves the termination point to change the length of the third side of the structure. A second adjustment mechanism moves the termination point in a direction different than the first adjustment direction so the termination point location can cross a substantially plumb line passing through the load pivot. A force modification device may be included to dynamically adjust the resilient member termination point position in response to motion of the load arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Garrett W. Brown
  • Patent number: 8038108
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a medical instrument includes an arm, which has a support portion to support a medical instrument at one end, and an intermediate portion of which is supported by a base portion via a support column. The arm moves the support portion horizontally and vertically. The apparatus also includes a rotary connecting member, which is provided at a second end of the arm and moves to a position corresponding to a position to which the support portion has been moved. The apparatus further includes a counterweight, which is connected to the support column to be immovable in the horizontal directions and movable in the vertical directions, and generates vertically downward force. The rotary connecting member is connected to the counterweight so as to be movable in the horizontal directions relative to the counterweight and movable in the vertical directions together with the counterweight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Koji Yasunaga, Kenji Harano, Noriaki Kanazawa
  • Patent number: 7992832
    Abstract: A parallel four-bar mechanism is disclosed, having the second and third bars being parallel to each other and having their opposite ends hinged to the first and fourth bars respectively. A stopping block is provided with a stopping slot, and a movable stopping pin is configured to be engageable with the stopping slot. When an actuating member drives the stopping pin to disengage from the stopping slot, the second and third bars are able to translate relative to each other; and when the actuating member drives the stopping pin into the stopping slot, the second and third bars are locked with each other, with the second and third bars not being able to translate relative to each other, and thus the whole parallel four-bar mechanism is locked in a preset angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Qiang Zhang, Yundong Qi
  • Patent number: 7984888
    Abstract: A supporting device of a display unit includes a stationary bracket securable to a wall, a body coupling device to mount a body of the display unit thereto, and a plurality of connecting devices to connect the stationary bracket with the body coupling device, each connecting device having first and second ends thereof coupled to the stationary bracket and the body coupling device, respectively, to rotate in left and right directions, and having at least one point between the first and second ends thereof to bend in the left and right directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae Hoo Park
  • Patent number: 7971840
    Abstract: An adjustable arm supports a device housing with respect to a base and allows the position of the device housing to be adjusted as desired. The adjustable arm has segments joined by pivot joints, with passages therethrough to allow wires to be strung through the arm segments and joints so as to be shielded by the arm. The joints can be either dual-pivot joints or single pivot joints, and for both types of joints, the frictional resistance of the joints can be adjusted. In some embodiments, the elements of the arm can be strung onto the wiring prior to assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Bruce D. Hirschhorn
  • Patent number: 7942374
    Abstract: A keyboard support including: a workstation engaging member adapted to be attached to an underside of the work surface; a keyboard engaging member disposed forwardly of the workstation engaging member for supporting a keyboard; a linkage assembly mechanically coupling and providing relative movement between the workstation engaging member and the keyboard engaging member; and a tilt gauge assembly to indicate a tilt angle of the keyboard engaging member, the tilt gauge assembly including a parallelogram linkage defining a longitudinal axis, the parallelogram linkage including stationary member affixed to the keyboard engaging member that pivots with the keyboard engaging member with respect to the upper connector and a movable member tangent to the lower connector, wherein changing the tilt angle of the keyboard engaging member causes a distance along the longitudinal axis between the stationary member and the movable member to change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Workrite Ergonomics, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Timm, Giancarlo A. Giustina, Matthew R. Vargas
  • Patent number: 7922138
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dental apparatus having a flexible arm for a dental apparatus. A benefit of the inventive flexible arm is the ability to make fine adjustments in orientation of one end of the arm relative to the other. More specifically, the ability to adjust or optimize the horizontal attitude of a movable end of the arm quickly and easily without resorting to expensive and time consuming remanufacture of the arm components. Adjustment of the end of the arm is accomplished via an adjusting mechanism with a rotatable shaft having an offset pin, where rotation of the shaft caused the pin to translate as defined by the offset of the pin center relative to the shaft center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Dental Equipment, LLC
    Inventors: Tom Benfield, Joe Bria
  • Patent number: 7922137
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for holding a laptop computer or other portable devices. The laptop is placed on a support having a generally planar surface. A pair of adjustable arm members is pivotally connected to the support. The user may adjust one or both of the arm members to accommodate portable devices of different sizes. Clips or other connectors are used to secure the laptop to the holding device. The clips connect to the arm members and to the support. The clips may have one or more components, and may be configured to slide along the arm members and the support. The support may include a number of projections that can be arranged in an X-shaped configuration. A release plate or other connector couples the holding device to an extension assembly. The release plate provides a quick release from a tilting device of the extension assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Innovative Office Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley A. Derry, David VanDuzer, Odd N. Oddsen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7918427
    Abstract: A computer dock station includes a bracket covered with a cover member and having a fence at one side and upright pivot pins on the inside, and a locking mechanism, which includes a motive member, two follower members pivoted to the two opposite ends of the motive member and respectively coupled with the respective sliding slot to the upright pivot pins, two clamps respectively mounted on the follower members outside the bracket, and a screw rod threaded through the motive member and pivoted to the bracket and rotatable to move the motive member and to further turn the follower members about the respective upright pivot pins for adjusting the position of the clamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Sallas Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chia-Ming Wang
  • Publication number: 20110014378
    Abstract: Devices for leveling an object for patterning a substrate surface, including an array of scanning probe tips, are provided. A device may include a support structure adapted to mount an object, the object having a plurality of protrusions adapted to form a pattern on a surface of a substrate upon contact of the object to the surface; and at least one flexible joint assembly mounted to the support structure and adapted to allow the object to achieve a parallel orientation with respect to the surface upon contact of the object to the surface. Also provided are apparatuses and kits incorporating the devices and methods of making and using the devices and apparatuses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: John Edward BUSSAN, Sergey V. Rozhok, Vadim Val-Khvalabov, Joseph S. Fragala, Jason R. Haaheim, Michael R. Nelson, Edward R. Solheim, Javad M. Vakil
  • Patent number: 7855876
    Abstract: A portable computer includes a main body including a bottom sheet and a panel which cooperatively form a receiving cavity, a display, a pivot shaft connecting the main body to the display, a keyboard, a pushing member including a pushing body, two connecting rods, and two restricting members. The panel includes a first surface facing the bottom sheet. The keyboard includes a first side, a second side, a flexible blocking member, and at least one auto-flick pivot on the second side. The restricting members are received in the receiving cavity corresponding to the connecting rods. Each restricting member includes a liftable restricting portion positioned on the bottom sheet. The auto-flick pivot connects the keyboard to the main body. Each connecting rod movably connects the keyboard to the main body. The pushing body is movably connected to the first surface and moves from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong-Wei Zhu, Hai-Yang Yu, Er-Zheng Zhao
  • Patent number: 7849978
    Abstract: A patient care equipment support system includes an arm supported in a hospital room for pivoting movement about a generally vertical axis, a patient care equipment column coupled to the arm for movement therewith, and a brake configured to impede the pivoting movement of the arm. The brake allowing the pivoting movement of the arm when the brake is deactivated in response to a user input. The column is configured to support patient care equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Alan Graham, Christian H. Reinke
  • Patent number: 7841569
    Abstract: A keyboard support mechanism containing a novel articulating arm mechanism for permitting vertical movement of the keyboard shelf. The articulating arm mechanism has six major components: (1) a mounting bracket, (2) a mounting bracket support in combination with a swivel bracket, (3) a shelf bracket, (4) an upper arm, (5) at least one side arm, and (6) at least one stopping means. The upper arm links the shelf bracket and the mounting bracket; the side arm and the stopping means cooperate to keep the shelf bracket (and hence the keyboard shelf) at a constant angle relative to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Humanscale Corporation
    Inventors: George Mileos, Robert King
  • Patent number: 7841570
    Abstract: A keyboard support mechanism containing a novel articulating arm mechanism for permitting vertical movement of the keyboard shelf. The articulating arm mechanism has six major components: (1) a mounting bracket, (2) a mounting bracket support in combination with a swivel bracket, (3) a shelf bracket, (4) an upper arm, (5) at least one side arm, and (6) at least one stopping surface. The upper arm links the shelf bracket and the mounting bracket; the side arm and the stopping surface cooperate to keep the shelf bracket (and hence the keyboard shelf) at a constant angle relative to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Humanscale Corporation
    Inventors: George Mileos, Robert King
  • Patent number: 7832700
    Abstract: A mounting system for providing horizontal adjustment to a device mounted on the mounting system. At least one first articulating arm is rotatably connected to a carriage assembly, where the carriage assembly is slidably engaged with groove guide of a wall plate. The wall plate is mounted to a wall or other similar surface, while at least one second articulating arm is also rotatably connected to the at least one first articulating arm at one end. At the other end, the at least one second articulating arm is operatively connected to a tilt assembly for tilting a device connected to the tilt assembly. The mounting system provides easy horizontal adjustment via sliding the carriage assembly along the groove guide(s) and via rotating the at least first and second articulating arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Peerless Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Marcel Ciungan
  • Patent number: 7810773
    Abstract: A pivotal support arm structure has an elastic force adjustment arrangement in order to accommodate the various loads. One end of the support arm structure may be secured to the edge of a desk and the other end thereof may be secured to an article (e.g., LCD display) to be held in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Ching-Chih Chi
  • Patent number: 7793897
    Abstract: An exemplary elevating mechanism used for a flat-panel display monitor includes a support structure, a sliding structure, and a pneumatic cylinder. The support structure includes a pair of guide rails. The sliding structure is mounted to the support structure and is capable of sliding along the guide rails. The pneumatic cylinder includes a cylinder body, a piston shaft, and a first piston. The cylinder body is connected to the support structure. The piston shaft includes a first end received in the cylinder body, and a second end opposite to the first end connected to the sliding structure. The first piston is positioned in the cylinder body and partitions the cylinder body into two chambers. The two chambers are filled with gas. The first piston is fixed to the first end of the piston shaft and defines a through hole for communicating the two chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-Xin Wang, Ying-Jun Peng
  • Patent number: 7793903
    Abstract: The instant mount with articulating arm(s) for mounting an appliance on a vertical structure is both vertically and horizontally adjustable by having a vertical adjustment mechanism and a horizontal adjustment mechanism. Once mounted, the appliance can be displaced away from the vertical structure or retracted toward the vertical structure. Well separated brackets used to mount the instant invention provide for contact points well spaced apart to reduce stress exerted on the vertical structure by the weights of the instant device and appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Milestone AV Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Jay Dittmer, Jeff Bremmon
  • Patent number: 7789363
    Abstract: An exemplary support stand for a flat-panel display monitor, includes a monitor bracket, a rotatable bracket for fixing the monitor bracket, an elevating support, a support member, and a hinge assembly. The elevating support includes a first link bracket, a second link bracket, a plurality of supporting blocks for connecting end portions of the first link bracket and the second link bracket. One end portion of the first link bracket define a first restricting groove and one end portion of the second link bracket defining a second restricting groove corresponding to the first restricting groove. One of the supporting blocks includes a restricting pole. The first and second restricting grooves are configured for blocking the restricting pole. A first end of the elevating support is fixed to the support member; and a second end of the elevating support connects to the rotatable bracket by the hinge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun-Wu Duan
  • Patent number: 7789354
    Abstract: An adjustable support mechanism (30) includes a fixed unit (70), an adjustable suspension unit (80) and a connecting unit (90). The adjustable suspension unit is slidably mounted on the fixed unit. The connecting unit is configured for connecting the fixed unit and the adjustable suspension unit. The connecting unit comprises a first elastic member (96) and an adjusting bracket (94). Opposite ends of the first elastic member are connected to the fixed unit and the adjustable suspension unit correspondingly. The adjusting bracket includes two rotary wheels (942, 945) and a coiling member (944) looped around the rotary wheels. The adjustable suspension unit is fixed to the coiling member. At least one of the rotary wheels is rotatable relative to the fixed unit to coil the coiling member around the rotary wheels, sliding the adjustable suspension unit relative to the fixed unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Lin Gan, Yi-Xiong Wang, Jun-Wu Duan, Chang-Sheng Fan
  • Patent number: 7780132
    Abstract: A construction hanger used in connection with a beam, the construction hanger including a bracket defining an opening for receiving a portion of the beam, a first receiver having an internal thread, and a second receiver through which a support member or fastener is slidably received, where the support member or fastener has a threaded end that may be received in the first receiver. The construction hanger further includes a retainer that engages the threaded end after it is inserted through the second receiver to prevent bracket from sliding downward on the support member or threaded fastener allowing the installer to position the bracket on the support beam before fastening the threaded end in the first receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Joe Tomaric
  • Patent number: 7775917
    Abstract: A basketball system may include a basketball goal with a backboard and a rim. The basketball system may also include a support structure that is sized and configured to support the basketball goal above a playing surface. The support structure may include an elongated support member that is generally vertically disposed relative to the playing surface and a single support assembly which connects the elongated support member to the basketball goal. The single support assembly may include first and second connecting members that connect the elongated support member and the basketball goal. Desirably at least a portion of the second connecting member is disposed within a portion of the first connecting member. In addition, the basketball system may include a height adjustment mechanism to allow the height of the basketball goal to be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: S. Curtis Nye, Aaron Hill, Doug Fuller
  • Patent number: 7770319
    Abstract: The invention is a device that allows a marksman to easily rotate and position a gun from the elevated position of a deerstand. The invention utilizes displaced parallel axes of rotation so that the marksman can maximize the mobility of the gun during shot selection while at the same time minimizing both noise and personal bodily displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Daniel E. McDonald
  • Publication number: 20100155558
    Abstract: A parallel four-bar mechanism is disclosed, having the second and third bars being parallel to each other and having their opposite ends hinged to the first and fourth bars respectively. A stopping block is provided with a stopping slot, and a movable stopping pin is configured to be engageable with the stopping slot. When an actuating member drives the stopping pin to disengage from the stopping slot, the second and third bars are able to translation relative to each other; and when the actuating member drives the stopping pin into the stopping slot, the second and third bars are locked with each other, with the second and third bars being not able to translation relative to each other, and thus the whole parallel four-bar mechanism is locked in a preset angular position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO-MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Qiang Zhang, Yundong Qi
  • Patent number: 7717383
    Abstract: An adjustable support mechanism is assembled from: a first bracket that can attach to the underside of a desk; a second bracket that can attach to a keyboard platform; a pivotally coupled connecting member; and a linking member. In one embodiment of the present invention, pivotal movement of the connecting member relative to the first bracket causes the linking member to move the second bracket in a corresponding manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: Edwin Robin Russell
  • Patent number: 7673839
    Abstract: A parallel four-bar mechanism is disclosed, having the second and third bars being parallel to each other and having their opposite ends hinged to the first and fourth bars respectively. A stopping block is provided with a stopping slot, and a movable stopping pin is configured to be engageable with the stopping slot. When an actuating member drives the stopping pin to disengage from the stopping slot, the second and third bars are able to translation relative to each other; and when the actuating member drives the stopping pin into the stopping slot, the second and third bars are locked with each other, with the second and third bars being not able to translation relative to each other, and thus the whole parallel four-bar mechanism is locked in a preset angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Qiang Zhang, Yundong Qi
  • Publication number: 20100019112
    Abstract: A pivotal support arm structure is disclosed and has an elastic force adjustment arrangement in order to accommodate the various loads. One end of the support arm structure may be secured to the edge of a desk and the other end thereof may be secured to an article (e.g., LCD display) to be held in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Ching-Chih Chi
  • Patent number: 7618016
    Abstract: A force exerting device having a force exerting structure including a load arm as a first side, pivotable about a load pivot, a resilient member attached to the load arm and to a termination point and forming a second side of the force exerting structure. The third side of the structure is formed by a line from the termination point to the load pivot. A first adjustment mechanism moves the termination point to change the length of the third side of the structure. A second adjustment mechanism moves the termination point in a direction different than the first adjustment direction so the termination point location can cross a substantially plumb line passing through the load pivot. A force modification device may be included to dynamically adjust the resilient member termination point position in response to motion of the load arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: Garrett W. Brown
  • Patent number: 7597299
    Abstract: A height-adjustable carrying device with a parallelogram cranking mechanism has a self-locking pneumatic spring (6), with a valve for abolishing the blocking function. A release element (22), with which the valve (24) is actuated, is arranged according to the present invention at a handle (20) for swiveling the carrying device in one assembly unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Dräger Medical AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Papendieck, Gunnar Wiegandt
  • Patent number: 7597298
    Abstract: A carrying device for medical devices provides simple adjustment operation. The carrying device has a height-adjustable bracket (1) designed in the form of a parallelogram cranking mechanism with a self-locking pneumatic spring (13). A supply unit (21) for medical devices is arranged at one end of the bracket (1). A handle (22) with an electric release element (23) is arranged at the supply unit (21). A valve, which releases the blocking function, is opened within the pneumatic spring (13) during the actuation of the release element (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Dräger Medical AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Papendieck, Lothar Petermann
  • Patent number: 7588027
    Abstract: A cooking grill assembly includes a foldable grill, wherein the components may be conveniently stored for transport, wherein the components include a lower support stake for insertion into soft ground or a free-standing base for use on hard ground, an upper extension post having at one of its ends a parallelogram linkage for vertically repositioning the cooking grill and for releasably securing the grill in a desired position, the other end of the upper extension post adapted to be rotatably mounted on the support stake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventors: James McNeely, Kael James Forster Crichton
  • Patent number: 7578490
    Abstract: There is provided a stand of a display device for allowing more convenient adjustment of the display device to various positions. The stand includes a base unit, a supporting unit formed on a rear surface of the display device, a first two-link hinge unit, and a second two-link hinge unit. The first two-link hinge unit is provided between the base unit and the supporting unit for allowing revolution of the display device around an imaginary axis perpendicular to the display device. The second two-link hinge unit is provided between the base unit and the supporting unit for allowing revolution of the display device around an imaginary axis defined in a horizontal direction of display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Mun Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 7566039
    Abstract: A movable support tray apparatus for a computer keyboard includes a sliding member, a lift member, a tray member and an inclining member. The sliding member provides a fixing plate for being attached to the bottom of a table top and a sliding seat for being pivotally connected to a respective end of two lateral sides of an upper and lower connecting box sections provided with the lift member. Another end of said upper connecting box section is pivotally connected to a tray plate of the tray member and a lock part and a pair of retarding wheels provided with the lift member. The inclining member is disposed on the lock part and provides a stem handle. The sliding seat is capable of sliding in the fixing plate to move the upper and lower connecting box sections forward and backward. The upper and lower connecting box sections are capable rotating with respect to the sliding seat to perform upward and downward movements with the return spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Inventor: Wen-Min Hung
  • Patent number: 7562851
    Abstract: A spring arm (1) for a camera body support is provided with a parallelogram guide (3, 5) which is made up of two opposing legs (10, 11) disposed parallel to one another and two likewise opposing connecting elements (12, 13) that connect the respective ends of the legs (10, 11) with one another, and an energy storage mechanism (15), which is supported on two pivot points (17, 19) on the parallelogram guide (3, 5), in order to compensate a load acting on the parallelogram guide (3, 5). At least one (19) of these pivot points (17, 19) is adjustable in relation to the parallelogram guide (3, 5) such that both the energy storage mechanism's (15) pretension and also its action of force direction change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Camera Dynamics GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Hein, Curt O. Schaller, Roland Seipel
  • Patent number: 7546994
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to extension arm apparatuses that are adapted to support user devices throughout a range of positions. A given apparatus may include one or more arms that position the user device remotely from a support position. An extension and retraction device such as a gas cylinder is received within each arm, and provides a force to support the user device as the arm is placed into a given position. A variable force clevis is connected to the extension/retraction device within the arm. The variable force clevis is connected to a pair of locations in the arm as well. As the arm moves, for instance up or down, the variable force clevis rotates within the arm and dynamically adjusts the force provided by the extension/retraction device. Removable and/or pivotable covers are provided for managing cables of the user device attached to the extension arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Innovative Office Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Altonji, Steve Bowman, David VanDuzer, Bradley A. Derry, Howard M. Williams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7537189
    Abstract: A supporting apparatus for a display device is provided. The apparatus includes a hanger assembly and a supporter assembly. The hanger assembly allows an upper side and a lower side of the display device to move back and forth with the display device fixed. The supporter assembly on which the hanger assembly is mounted and whose horizontal width is controlled to adjust a position of the hanger assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yu Young Jung, Chan Han Kim
  • Patent number: 7523905
    Abstract: A keyboard support for movably supporting a keyboard with respect to a work surface of a workstation. The keyboard support includes a workstation engaging member adapted to be attached to an underside of the work surface, a keyboard engaging member for supporting a keyboard, and a linkage assembly mechanically coupling and providing relative movement between the workstation engaging member and the keyboard engaging member and thereby between the keyboard and the work surface. The keyboard support also includes a braking assembly adapted to allow relative movement of the keyboard engaging member with respect to the workstation engaging member in an unlocked position and to prevent relative movement of the keyboard engaging member with respect to the workstation engaging member in a locked position. The braking assembly comprises a roller assembly carried on a connector of the linkage assembly. The roller assembly is biased against a wedge affixed to a vertical side of the keyboard engaging member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Workrite Ergonomics, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Timm, Giancarlo A. Giustina, Matthew R. Vargas
  • Publication number: 20090090832
    Abstract: A keyboard support mechanism containing a novel articulating arm mechanism for permitting vertical movement of the keyboard shelf. The articulating arm mechanism has six major components: (1) a mounting bracket, (2) a mounting bracket support in combination with a swivel bracket, (3) a shelf bracket, (4) an upper arm, (5) at least one side arm, and (6) at least one stopping means. The upper arm links the shelf bracket and the mounting bracket; the side ann and the stopping means cooperate to keep the shelf bracket (and hence the keyboard shelf) at a constant angle relative to the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: Humanscale Corporation
    Inventors: George Mileos, Robert King
  • Patent number: 7497408
    Abstract: A monitor apparatus including a monitor and a base to support the monitor. The monitor apparatus further includes a first link provided between the monitor and the base; a second link provided between the monitor and the base adjacent to the first link; a base bracket combined to the base having first and second lower supporting parts to rotatably support lower parts of the first and second links, respectively; a connecting bracket rotatably combined to the monitor having first and second upper supporters to rotatably support upper parts of the first and second links, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong-su Lim, Sang-kyeong Ha
  • Publication number: 20090020673
    Abstract: A self-balanced adjustable mounting system for a flat panel display. When a flat panel display is attached to the mounting system, the display is adapted to revolve about a substantially horizontal axis extending proximate a center of gravity of the display. The system may be self-balancing at a plurality of locations about the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Jay Dittmer
  • Publication number: 20080315053
    Abstract: An adjustable display holder is disclosed. One embodiment provides a display arm and a display base, wherein the display arm is pivotably connected to the base, and the arm and base have a tongue and groove arrangement, wherein the arm may be elastically deformed to connect to the base, and the arm may retain a shape that arranges the tongue and groove in a way that resists relative pivoting between the arm and base. In this manner, an adjustable display holder may be easily configured without compromising the utility of the display holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Gibson Holders, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall King
  • Publication number: 20080290235
    Abstract: A parallel four-bar mechanism is disclosed, having the second and third bars being parallel to each other and having their opposite ends hinged to the first and fourth bars respectively. A stopping block is provided with a stopping slot, and a movable stopping pin is configured to be engageable with the stopping slot. When an actuating member drives the stopping pin to disengage from the stopping slot, the second and third bars are able to translation relative to each other; and when the actuating member drives the stopping pin into the stopping slot, the second and third bars are locked with each other, with the second and third bars being not able to translation relative to each other, and thus the whole parallel four-bar mechanism is locked in a preset angular position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Qiang Zhang, Yundong Qi
  • Patent number: 7455270
    Abstract: A mechanism for mounting a support including a linkage, wherein the linkage has at least three bars, the mechanism is attached to a base by a mounting member, and the mounting member has a pair of slots wherein the linkage may slide and pivot relative to the mounting member. In another embodiment, the mechanism includes a height indicator whereby a height of the mechanism relative to a height indicating surface is displayed. In a further embodiment, the mechanism includes an angle indicator whereby an angle of the support relative to an angle indicating surface is displayed. In yet another embodiment, the mechanism permits adjustment of the angle of the support relative to the angle indicating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Weber Knapp Company
    Inventors: Eric W. Maloney, Donald R. Pangborn
  • Publication number: 20080272256
    Abstract: This invention provides a support arm to couple a monitor to a surface such as a wall or ceiling to remotely adjust the viewing angle of the monitor. The support arm includes at least one motor along a pivot axis in the support arm. The motor may be activated by a processor based on the control signal provided by the remote control. The support arm may include a plurality of pivot axes with a motor in each of the pivot axis to adjust the viewing angle along the vertical and horizontal planes. The support arm may be also provided with a tracking device that follows the movement of the viewer to adjust the viewing angle of the monitor corresponding to the movement of the viewer. The support arm may also receive periodic signal from the remote control to determine the location of the remote control. Based on the periodic signal, the processor may adjust the viewing angle of the monitor towards the location of the remote control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Sung I. Oh